Get some nice noise canceling headphones. I’m sure the company will be fine with it. Everyone needs to focus in from time to time. I’ve worked in both cube farms and open offices and much much more prefer the open offices. When I had the opportunity to design our space I made it open, even the conference area is open. This way everyone can hear everything if they want to. No secrets. I think the key to making it work are:
- music for everyone (we have 5 speakers wirelessly networked and a tablet to DJ)
- people are able to wear headphones to focus in
- allow people to work in conference rooms or from home when needed, I do it as well when I really need to focus
- have some phone booths, we also have easy access to the outside which is quiet here so lots of people take calls or do one on one meetings outside
That said, it is not for everyone. some people can adapt to it, others can’t.